This project is currently being revisited to reflect deeper context and process. An expanded presentation is coming soon
A visual reinterpretation of The Great Gatsby through symbolism and narrative metaphor
This conceptual book cover project explores the symbolic themes of The Great Gatsby through visual metaphor and illustration. Drawing inspiration from the novel’s recurring motifs, the designs reinterpret Gatsby’s world as a space defined by illusion, excess, and the passage of time
Central to the concept is the martini glass, representing the lavish parties and unhealthy lifestyles of the Roaring Twenties, as well as the fragile glamour that defines the era. The all-seeing eyes reference the watchful gaze present throughout the novel, acting as a quiet judgment of the characters’ choices. Within the glass, the cityscape symbolizes West Egg, home to the newly wealthy and to Jay Gatsby himself
Additional elements such as the green light represent Gatsby’s longing for Daisy Buchanan, while the hourglass form reflects the idea of time running out, foreshadowing his inevitable fate. Together, these symbols create a cohesive visual narrative that translates the emotional and thematic weight of the novel into a modern, illustrative book cover system
Concept Exploration
These book cover concepts explore The Great Gatsby through symbolic illustration, reimagining the novel’s themes of excess, illusion, and longing
Each variation experiments with color, composition, and emphasis while maintaining a consistent visual system rooted in narrative metaphor
